Bicycle-step



0 e F. ARMSTRONG.

BICYCLE STEP. No. 416,541. Patented Dec. 3', 1889.

VII/$55555 I7 vE/77ZW UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK ARMSTRONG, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

BICYCLE-STEP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 416,541, dated December 3, 1889.

Application filed June 10, 1889.

- to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention has for its object to provide a simple and inexpensive adjustable step for bicycles.

With this end in view I have devised the novel construction of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, numbers being used to denote the several parts.

Figure l is an elevation of a portion of the backbone of a bicycle, showing my novel step attached thereto; Fig. 2, a plan view of the step proper detached; and Fig. 3 is an end view of the bracket detached.

The device consists simply of two castings and a bolt. These castings may be of any suitable material, as brass, steel, or malleable iron. Ordinarily malleable iron is used, and the step is finished by nickel-plating.

1 denotes the backbone of a bicycle, which may be of the usual or any preferred construction.

The part or casting comprising the step proper is denoted by A, and the part or casting comprising the bracket and back plate by B. Y

PartA consists, primarily, of the step proper, which is denoted by 2. The exact shape of the step proper is not, of course, of the essence of my invention. I preferably make it to consist of three (more or less) strips connected together at their outer ends and serrated or otherwise roughened upon the upper side, it being essential, of course, that the step should have sufficient strength to stand any amount of weight that can possibly be placed upon it, and to stand the severe blows to which it is liable to be subjected, it being desirable, furthermore, that Serial No. 313,644. (No model.)

the step be made open, so that mud will not adhere to it, but will drop through. Back of the step proper and made integral therewith are clamping-arms 3, which inclose the backbone and are provided at their outer ends with lugs 4, through which a bolt 5 passes, whereby it is clamped tightly in place. In the drawings I have shown a round-headed slotted bolt and the parts as locked in position by a nut 6, engaging the opposite end of the bolt.

Casting B consists of the back plate 7, the inner side of which is curved to fit closely to the backbone of the bicycle, and which is provided at its outer face with beads 8, between which the clamping-arms fit, and the bracket denoted by 9, which is provided at its outer end with a head 10 to support the step. Upon the under side of the step proper is a rib 11, which engages a groove 12 in the head of the bracket, so that lateral movement of the bracket and back plate is impossible unless the step and clamping-arm turn with it, which is, of course, impossible if the nut upon the bolt is properly tightened up. It will be noticed that back plate 7 is made long enough to give two inches (more or less) bearing upon the backbone of the bicycle. This avoids the slightest possibility of slipping in use when the bolt is properly tightened up.

It will be seen that my novel step may be readily attached and detached, will fit any ordinary bicycle, and that it may be raised, lowered, or turned whenever required, but an instants time being required to adjust it.

Having thus described my invention, I claim* 1. Av bicycle=step consisting of a part A, comprising a step proper and clamping-arms, and a part B, comprising a back plate adapted to rest against the backbone of a bicycle, and a bracket upon which the step proper rests.

2. A bicycle-step consisting of a part A, comprising a step and clamping-arms, and a part B, comprising a back plate adapted to engage the backbone of a bicycle, beads between which the clamping-arms rest, and a bracket adapted to support the step.

3. A bicycle-step Consisting ofa part A, having a step with a rib on its under side and clamping-arms, and a part B, having a back plate adapted to engage the backbone 5 of a bicycle, a bracket having a head, and a slot in said head which is engaged by said rib.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

FRANK ARMSTRONG.

W'itnesses:

A. M. WOOSTER, ARLEY I. MUNSON. 

